John James Newman is an accomplished singer/songwriter from the south east of England, and is the son of Sandy Newman, lead singer of Scottish hit makers “Marmalade”. John’s fascination with music began at an early age, being surrounded with guitars at home whilst discovering an eagerness to take to the stage at school.

In recent years John has written songs for Joe Cocker, Kylie, Chesney Hawkes, Megan Henwood (BBC Folk Award winner) and X-Factor finalists in Europe. His own work includes the solo album ‘Little Whispers’ recorded in 2002 with Ian Dury’s Blockheads, and “The Velvet Hearts” EP and album “Into The World” which was recorded in 2008 in Detroit, USA, the home of Motown.

John has opened for the likes of Natasha Bedingfield, The Sugababes, Elkie Brooks, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Jools Holland and Alabama 3 and notably in June 2010, supported Bon Jovi at the O2 Arena in London with his band ‘The Velvet Hearts’. In the first three months of their creation, The Velvet Hearts notched up more YOU TUBE hits than Gwen Stefani and The Gorrilaz.

John continues to write collaborate and perform, he often plays solo or with a band, playing venues all over Europe as a member of The Marmalade or on his own. His voice can be heard on countless radio ads and he recently recorded the lead vocal for the charity single ‘With Pride’ for the charity ‘Rugby for Heroes’ performing the song live at Twickenham to over 60,000 people.

In early 2012, John appeared on the first ever BBC the Voice UK after being talent scouted for the show. In the Blind Auditions Sir Tom Jones and Danny O’Donoghue from the Script both turned their chairs, and John joined Team Danny going on to perform in the Battle rounds of the show.

John is one third of ‘DBX’, a collaboration of 3 talented musicians with a vast background in music, music production and performance. DBX are thrilled that their track ‘Light Years Away’ is featured on the world renowned DJ, Tiesto’s new album ‘A Town Called Paradise’. Tiesto’s album was released on 16/06/14 and ‘Light Years Away’ will be released as a single later in the year.

John is an enigmatic performer; his live shows are an energetic blend of a soulful, emotive voice matched perfectly with his rhythmic guitar style. With an eclectic repertoire, John always strives to entertain with the quality and conviction of a true artist in a firm belief that good songs need good singers and good singers deserve good songs.